Ancestral Ri[gh]tes

On view at Culture House DC until August 6, 2022

Mixed People’s History was invited by The Blended Future Project to create art for their event, Move Forward. Held on October 24th, 2021, Move Forward is a walk to represent the extra steps taken by minority racial groups in our societies in order to be at the same level of those in the majority. Taking place in person in Chicago, IL as well as virtually over Zoom, artists and activists came together to share their art and discuss social justice issues.

The past informs the present, and without it, there can be no future. Knowing where you come from leads you on your way with your head held high. With no reference to yourself, you can walk through the world in isolation, directionless. For too long, Mixed people have not had a communal history to help us understand our experience. Our stories have been invisible, leaving us unaware of each other’s presence. But, we have always been there; we just haven’t been seen. 

Mixed People’s History proudly presents Ancestral Ri[gh]tes, a project that establishes a foundational history for Mixed people from all backgrounds to connect our unique experiences and give agency over our intersectional identities. This is an expression of our right to have ancestral rites.

The six ancestors presented in this first iteration were all community servants. From 1579 to 2020, these artists, activists, trailblazers, outsiders, and saints fought for their own. Reexamining their stories reveal how they have been diminished or romanticized within historic monoracial constructions. We are piecing together their invisible history as our own. This project serves to memorialize these heroes that have served both their communities and ours.

We graciously thank our families and friends who contributed their personal items to help us create the altar. Especially the local business, Eastern Classics, for lending us the Japanese cultural pieces.